That’s right!!! After a 209 day journey in the NICU, Luke is now finally home!!!
When I started this blog, I had plans on writing a long post about Luke’s homecoming. We weren’t able to update the blog as often as we wished with the preparation of him coming home – but I’d like to share [what I remember now!]
Looking back, the thought of him coming home was so surreal. We always wanted him home with us – and to be honest, we were scared and never felt ‘ready’. We had a talk with one of Luke’s doctors and were shocked to learn that Luke would be ready in about 3 weeks!! Luke was then a few weeks post-op so after all the drama we’ve been through – it was shocking to hear that our little boy’s coming home! There were TONS of things we all needed to coordinate before his discharge and eventually I’d be sharing a lot of what I learned in the process. From that point on, it felt like we were on the phone/meetings/classes non stop while Luke continued to strengthen.
We had to complete classes like infant CPR, how to use all his equipment and how to take care of his GTube. We also had to make sure we had all the supplies needed to take care of Luke. We also had to prepare home – which we haven’t prepared for Luke ready. We were very superstitious about setting everything up!
As Dday came, Luke spiked temperatures TWICE. It almost felt like a tease . . but it felt good to say goodbye to everyone we possibly can. Lol!! All the NICU staff [Nurses, Doctors, Admin Staff, Social Workers, Security Guards] all felt like family during our almost 7 month stay. Saying goodbye was so bittersweet because we couldn’t have a better group of family to stay by our side thru all the ups and downs. After Luke spiked a temperature the second time, we decided not to tell ANYONE outside of the NICU we were going home. We didn’t want to jinx his homecoming. . and 3rd time was a charm! It was so nice to call/text/email/instagram/facebook/facetime everyone that Luke was finally home!!
So far, things have been good [knock on wood]. We really miss all his Aunties and it feels like the safety cushion isn’t there – but we’ve had 7 months of training on how to take care of Luke. We don’t have the same monitors that kept up paranoid – but we’re managing. Luke’s Luke. He has his good times and he has his real fussy times. We’re tired as we expected and are really thankful that Neill’s parents took a week off to help us adjust. We’re starting to learn what he likes here at home and what he doesn’t – he absolutely LOVES watching football/baseball with daddy. I think it’s because he likes seeing all the pretty colors haha!
Taking him outside was a little bit of a challenge. So far, we went to 2 different doctor visits and the second time went a bit smoother than the first. Hopefully we’ll find our groove soon – there’s so much to lug around!! I almost died the first time!!
When Luke was discharged, he weighed 9lbs 2oz. . and yesterday he weighed 9lbs 14oz!! He managed to gain 12oz in less than a week!!
We’re always so thankful to hold our little miracle in the comfort of our home and thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for all the continued prayers you all have sent Luke’s way. He truly is a testament that God’s work prevails!!
We’ll be writing more soon!!
] I remember doing the happy dance when Luke finally reached 2 pounds. On Friday – I was so happy to see his isolette lid open & found him swaddled in blankets! I’ve never seen him swaddled before!
